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If you own a PS5, check these settings
Getting the most out of a PlayStation 5 isn't just about the games you play or the display you connect it to. A lot of performance and image quality comes down to how the console is set up. Out of the box, the PS5 is designed to work with a wide range of TVs and monitors, but those default settings aren't always ideal. With a few adjustments, you can improve picture quality, reduce input lag, and make sure games are running the way developers intended.
Video Output and Resolution Settings
One of the first things to check is resolution and video output. Under the Screen and Video menu, the resolution should be set to Automatic. This allows the PS5 to detect what your TV or projector supports without forcing a specific output that could cause scaling issues. For most modern displays, the console will output at 4K automatically. It's also important to set the refresh rate to Automatic so the system can properly switch between 60Hz and 120Hz when supported by both the game and your display.
RGB Range is another setting that's best left on Automatic. This lets the PS5 and your display negotiate whether limited or full range video levels are used. Manually forcing Full RGB can result in raised blacks or clipped whites if the display isn't set up for it. For the majority of setups, Automatic delivers the most accurate results.
HDR and Picture Calibration
HDR settings deserve a little extra attention. HDR should be set to On When Supported rather than Always On. This ensures standard dynamic range games are displayed correctly instead of being artificially mapped into HDR. When setting up HDR, the PS5 walks you through three calibration screens. Take your time here and follow the instructions closely, stopping just before the symbol disappears on each screen. Improper HDR calibration is one of the most common reasons HDR games look washed out or overly bright.
Zac Builds
MrWhoseTheBoss
Tom's GuideIf your display supports it, enabling 120Hz output and Variable Refresh Rate can make a noticeable difference. VRR helps smooth out frame rate fluctuations by syncing the display's refresh rate with the console. Not every game supports VRR, but in those that do, motion tends to feel more stable and fluid. Keep in mind that VRR requires an HDMI 2.1-capable TV or monitor.
Performance and Gameplay Settings
The PS5 allows you to choose whether games default to performance or resolution mode. In the Saved Data and Game App Settings menu, setting Game Presets to Performance Mode tells the console to prioritize higher frame rates when available. Many modern games offer both options, and while resolution mode can look sharper, performance mode often results in smoother gameplay and lower input lag. You can still switch modes within individual games, but this setting determines the default behavior.
On the display side, enabling Game Mode on your TV or projector is just as important. Game Mode disables unnecessary image processing that can add delay. Combined with performance mode on the PS5, this ensures the most responsive experience possible. Within games themselves, features like motion blur, film grain, and excessive sharpening can often be turned off for a cleaner, clearer image.
Audio and 3D Sound Setup
Audio setup is often overlooked but plays a big role in immersion. Under Sound settings, Audio Output should match your system. Linear PCM works well for TVs and headphones, while Bitstream Dolby or DTS may be better for soundbars and AV receivers depending on compatibility. Using the wrong format can result in audio delay or unnecessary processing.
Sony's Tempest 3D AudioTech is another feature worth enabling, especially if you game with headphones. The built-in calibration process helps tailor the sound to your hearing, improving positional accuracy in supported games. While 3D audio can work through TV speakers, results vary depending on speaker layout and room acoustics.
Storage, Updates, and System Health
Keeping enough free space on the internal SSD helps maintain system performance. Aim to leave at least 10 to 15 percent of storage available whenever possible. If you install an M.2 SSD, make sure it meets Sony's speed requirements and is formatted correctly through the system menu. Not all SSDs perform equally, even if they meet the basic specs.
Finally, system updates should always be enabled. Sony regularly releases firmware updates that improve stability, compatibility, and performance. These updates can also refine HDMI behavior, HDR handling, and VRR support behind the scenes. Keeping your PS5 up to date ensures you're getting the best experience possible.
The PS5 is a powerful console, but its default settings don't always show it at its best. Spending a few minutes dialing in these options can result in smoother gameplay, better image quality, and more consistent performance across games. Whether you're gaming on a high-end TV, a projector, or a more modest setup, these settings help ensure you're getting everything the PS5 has to offer.
